the Shadow Council has called for elections,” Winters said breezily. “It isn’t possible for most of the Council members to run New Orleans indefinitely, and with many of the former officials facing charges of corruption or collusion with hate groups, it is necessary to replace them.”

“Hate groups?” Isabella asked.

“HRL,” Jaime Rennick clarified quite helpfully.

“The Council will be joining us momentarily,” Winters said. “And I have an update to share as well, regarding Mr. Price.”

“Who is this Price guy?” Isabella asked.

“Our ace in the hole,” Winters replied. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. This may be a long meeting.”

—

Piers Ronald Price woke up in a room.

The w...

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